Report by Tho Bowyer

The match was scrappy in the early stages with both sides exchanging penalties. 3-3. Port were also struggling for early rhythm with little mistakes stopping them gathering momentum. Alex Pantechis was trying to get the back line firing with some lovely spinning passes off both wings, giving Port a stable platform.
After 20 minutes Wirral were down to 14 after a number of penalties conceded by the away side which meant the yellow was inevitable. Port immediately made their extra man count as a good line-out in the far corner led to a try for Will Conner. 10-3 (try conv).
It was then Wirral’s turn to force Port to defend well on their own line but the ball was well held up.
Just before half time Paul McGookin had the freedom of the park as he scythed through the Wirral midfield like a knife through butter. This was the final action of the first half.
The second half was underway and a knock on after a spiralling, long kick led to a scrum for Wirral to score, for the away side to reduce the deficit. 10-8 (conv. missed).
The reaction was a positive one from Port and after many phases, punching holes in the Wirral defence, a great finish from Rory Austin. A jinking run from the captain. Ewan Holt didn’t miss a single kick and once again dissected the posts. 17-8.
However, Port couldn’t wrestle full control and released their grip on the game with some uncharacteristic missed tackles which gave Wirral restored hope. This led to a converted try for the Mersysiders and Port’s lead was cut to 3 points. 17-15. (try conv).
A big last 20 now ensued and the game was stretched and stressed in equal measure. A well executed kick and pick up meant the away side had hit the front in the critical phase of the match. 17-22 (try conv).
There was still time and a flicker of hope, as a Wirral yellow card and a critical penalty allowed Port to kick deep into their 22. Secure ball from the line-out and composure in the driving maul led to Matt Lawrowitsch going over. A draw at the least had been achieved!
The conversion was right on the far touchline. A tough kick under any circumstances. A hush descended and Ewan Holt connected sweetly and both crowd and players held their breath. The ball hung in the orange sky for seemingly ages until the ball ricocheted off the right upright. Delirium for Port, heartbreak for Wirral. There was mad celebrations from the Port boys but you had to feel sorry for Wirral to lose in that manner. Ewan said afterwards, “I couldn’t feel my legs, I just tried to time the kick.”
Full time… Port 24 Wirral 22.
Post match reflection from the players was that they hadn't played well but somehow pulled it out of the fire. The positive is that the never say die attitude from the players kept the game alive.
There’s a break this Saturday and then Port’s biggest challenge of the season, away against table toppers Blackburn on the 26th Nov.